20 Structural Fails That Were Built For Failure

Structural fails are happening all around you. However, this is where a structural assessor comes into play. A structural assessor is a designated and highly qualified pro, typically with a civil engineer background who is responsible for thoroughly examining the health of a building. This essential process is carried out by inspecting the building’s walls, beams, foundation, and ultimately working to see if any potential damage or defects are already present that could affect the building’s overall soundness.

Without structural assessors we would be in a truly bad way. In fact, without structural assessments, the very building that you’re in might be in far worse shape than you could’ve imagined. You can check out more wild sights from structural assessments over on these guys’ Instagram as well.

1. This is one of those structural fails that has mold too.

Wooden beams with patches of white, mold-like growth, some spreading in branching patterns, indicating potential fungal infestation. Structural assessments may be needed as the background shows similar wooden surfaces with discoloration.
u/AlphaStructural/via Imgur

2. Well, that’s going nowhere fast.

A cracked retaining wall next to a sidewalk and set of stairs, with overgrown bushes on top, suggests a need for structural assessments. A parked white car and a tree are visible on the left, along a street lined with greenery.
u/AlphaStructural/via Imgur

3. Wouldn’t want to get stuck down there.

The crawl space reveals wooden beams marred by water damage and mold growth, a clear result of neglecting structural assessments. The area appears damp, with patches of discoloration and deterioration. In the background, a white pipe snakes along the concrete wall.
u/AlphaStructural/via Imgur

4. Let’s have a look down there shall we.

An open metal hatch on a concrete box, often subject to structural assessments, is surrounded by greenery and small decorative stones in a landscaped garden area. The metal cover is partially laid on the ground nearby.
u/AlphaStructural/via Imgur

5. Oh, no.

A cracked concrete wall with a large hole, pending structural assessments, is supported by wooden panels. Surrounding the wall are green plants and grass beneath a partly cloudy sky.
u/AlphaStructural/via Imgur

6. Hillslides are the bane of anyone’s existence.

A house is precariously perched on the edge of a slope with a landslide beneath it, awaiting structural assessments. The top of the slope is covered with plastic sheets and caution tape, while vegetation flanks both sides under a clear sky.
u/AlphaStructural/via Imgur

7. This makes one queasy just looking at it.

A hillside path with cracked grey stairs leads to a chain-link fence. Near the stairs, a large hole hints at the need for structural assessments, with scattered debris around it. The background features a distant city view under a clear sky.
u/AlphaStructural/via Imgur

8. Rumor has it they used a rope to get up their driveway.

A house on a hilltop with visible erosion and a partially collapsed hillside undergoes structural assessments. Sandbags and barriers provide support, while vegetation and trees surround the area, with construction fencing visible in the background.
u/AlphaStructural/via Imgur

9. Small docks don’t have it easy.

A broken footbridge with collapsed wooden planks spans a partially frozen body of water, beckoning the need for structural assessments. Snow blankets the surrounding ground, while metal railings frame the precarious bridge.
u/AlphaStructural/via Imgur

10. No logic in this design.

A black metal grate covers a ground opening next to a white wall, potentially part of recent structural assessments. Two paint cans sit nearby on the concrete surface.
u/AlphaStructural/via Imgur

11. Best to clear out as soon as possible.

A cracked concrete beam in a parking garage is carefully examined during structural assessments, with two hands measuring the gap. Nearby, several cars are parked as a fluorescent light casts an eerie glow from the ceiling, highlighting the beam's significant damage.
u/AlphaStructural/via Imgur

Yeah, so this is a prime example of something that is the literal opposite of an infrastructural gem. You’ve just got to wonder how it held on for so long in the first place.

12. The tree is way to close to that wall.

A large tree with exposed roots grows next to a weathered concrete wall covered in ivy, prompting regular structural assessments. The tree is on the right, with lush green foliage. A red brick retaining wall is in the foreground, partially covered by tall grass.
u/AlphaStructural/via Imgur

13. That wall is fixing to give out any time now.

A cracked concrete wall with visible damage reveals deep fractures and areas of erosion, highlighting the need for thorough structural assessments. The weathered surface displays uneven textures and varying shades of gray.
u/AlphaStructural/via Imgur

14. Now that’s a monster tree if we’ve ever seen one.

A large tree has fallen on a house, causing visible damage, prompting structural assessments. The scene is cordoned off with yellow caution tape under an overcast sky. The house, with its tan exterior and several shrubs adorning the yard, stands as a testament to nature’s unexpected power.
u/AlphaStructural/via Imgur

15. Seriously though, just why.

A large hole in a concrete wall, surrounded by rubble and debris, is illuminated by a flashlight. Nearby, a plastic pipe and some wires are visible. This scene resembles the aftermath of structural assessments in a dimly lit basement or crawl space.
u/AlphaStructural/via Imgur

16. Just imagine how loud it was when everything broke through.

The image shows a kitchen heavily damaged by a landslide, highlighting the need for structural assessments. Dirt, rocks, and debris fill the area, with overturned furniture and appliances. A tree branch is visible among the rubble. The ceiling and walls are also affected by the damage.
u/AlphaStructural/via Imgur

17. Tough day to hit the trail.

A cracked and uneven concrete pathway with significant damage near a forest awaits structural assessments. The path appears lifted and broken, possibly due to tree root growth. Surrounding greenery includes bushes and trees under an overcast sky visible in the background.
u/AlphaStructural/via Imgur

18. Imagine having to climb down that somehow.

A view of a seaside cliff with a wooden retaining structure supports a coastal walkway, carefully maintained through regular structural assessments. The ocean and beach are visible in the background, alongside some plants and a glass fence.
u/AlphaStructural/via Imgur

19. This is where the aliens emerge from.

A large hole in the concrete surface, possibly the focus of ongoing structural assessments, is surrounded by caution tape. Wooden beams frame the area, and a traffic cone sits within. Nearby, a brick wall and some houses provide an urban backdrop to this scene of inspection.
u/AlphaStructural/via Imgur

20. Bit of a plumbing disaster here.

A basement with an exposed dirt floor and two large black pipes running through it. The walls, made of concrete, show signs of damage and cracks. Dim lighting highlights the rough texture of the surroundings, warranting a structural assessment to ensure stability and safety.
u/AlphaStructural/via Imgur

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